1st Edition

Applications of Photovoltaics

Edited By Rebecca Hill Copyright 1989

    Photovoltaics (PV) play a vital role in an energy-conscious society where the demand for cheap, convenient, and environmentally benign sources of energy is certain to increase. The range of applications is immense, encompassing many spheres of activity, from modern consumer electronics to the supply of power. Bringing together experts in their fields, Applications of Photovoltaics provides a stimulating account of the technical and economic aspects of the many areas that PV technology has been or is soon to be implemented. The book includes chapters on terrestrial applications of PV; PV for development, placing PV in the context of an energy policy for developing countries; PV for developing countries, which discusses the techno-economics of PV applications; PV systems for professional applications, which include hybrid systems; and low-power applications of PV for consumer, leisure, and other systems.

    Applications of Photovoltaics is appealing to all engineers, from energy advisors and policy makers, with an interest in or need for off-grid electrical supplies, from microwatts to megawatts. Its level of presentation makes it accessible to those without an engineering or economics background.

    List of contributors. Preface. Terrestrial applications of photovoltaics: Introduction. Photovoltaic systems. Prospects for photovoltaics. Obstacles to progress. Conclusions. Photovoltaics for development - identifying real opportunity: Introduction. Third world energy. Enduse analysis. Towards a structural model for photovoltaic diffusion. Rapid appraisal for energy projects. Social evaluation for PV systems. Conclusion. Photovoltaics for developing countries: Introduction. Water pumping. Photovoltaic refrigerators for rural health care. Lighting. Rural electrification. Other applications. Conclusions on photovoltaics for developing countries - summary of experience. Conclusions. Photovoltaic systems for professional applications: Introduction. Photovoltaic technology - minimising generator costs. Cathodic protection. Telecommunications. A key to rural development. Hybrid systems. A practical hybrid application. Conclusions. Low power applications of photovoltaics: Introduction. Conversion of light to electricity. Consumer products. Replacement power supplies. Instrumentation. The low power applications marked. Future prospects. References. List of contributors.

    Biography

    Rebecca Hill

    "… a first-class guide for the nonspecialist energy professional who needs to be aware of the tremendous potential and achievements of this … industry. It should also appeal to all those involved in the political, social, and economic aspects of energy policy, both nationally and internationally."
    -Dr. Cleland McVeigh, Energy World, November 1989